The Muhlenberg wrestling team won the first two bouts, but Messiah was victorious in the final three as the Falcons overcame an early deficit to win 26-21 in the closest matchup between the two teams in the last seven years.

In the previous six dual matches between the squads, the Mules (6-10) had

Junior Dale Mills registered his second straight technical fall, and his third of the season, at 149. With seven career techs he is just two short of the school record.

been defeated by an average of 24.5 points by the Falcons (11-9).

The Mules got off to an early 10-0 lead after only two bouts. At 197, Sophomore Matt Loesch won an 18-7 major decision, and freshman Joe Tartar followed with a pin of his opponent in 2:29. It was Tartar’s seventh pin in a dual meet this season and 11th overall, both team highs.

The Mules maintained their lead during the bouts at the 125 to 149 weight classes and seemed to have all the momentum after freshman Brian Saval’s dramatic victory at 157. With three takedowns and an escape in the first period, Saval was completely in control of the match, but had to hold on for a 14-11 decision after he became sick late in the third period.

Leading 21-12 after Saval’s heroics, the Mules dropped the final three bouts of the match on two major decisions and a pin.

The loss spoiled the final home dual match for the two seniors on the Muhlenberg roster, Jeremy Hart and Frank Pepe.

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